Creating an extraordinary interior is no easy task. With constant technological and design innovations driving the industry forwards with each new ship, designing a space that stands out from the crowd requires something special.
To create an interior that makes a lasting impression on guests, designers must develop a deep understanding of their preferences. Guests’ requirements and expectations may not necessarily be the same for each operator – what may wow those onboard one type of ship could fail to impress passengers onboard another.
“Carnival Corporation designs onboard spaces tailored to the diverse interests and needs of its guests,” says Janna Rowell, manager of external communications at Carnival Corporation. “These needs vary widely across our different cruise lines. Each area is carefully planned to cater to specific guest preferences, ensuring the spaces serve unique purposes and enhance the overall experience.”
Passenger shipping operators must consider more than the aesthetic beauty of a space to ensure their ships deliver a great guest experience. They must also focus on less visible elements and incorporate practical elements too.
“An onboard space exists for our customers, so it must cater to their needs in terms of product, comfort and atmosphere,” explains Jonas Larsson, service and concepts lead at Stena Line. “However, it also needs to be practical for our teams to work in, otherwise the customer experience will suffer. With about 40 vessels across Europe, we aim to provide a consistent brand experience, so adhering to the concepts and brand expression is important too. Durability in both materials and design, as well as a certain timelessness, is crucial from a sustainability perspective.”
The Family Hub onboard Stena Adventurer is inspired by Scandinavian design aesthetics
Larsson highlights The Family Hub introduced onboard Stena Adventurer in 2024, as an example of how these elements can be combined to create an extraordinary design.
“This area is designed to bring families together and ensure everyone has an enjoyable time during their journey,” he says. “The Family Hub is a vibrant and engaging space where children of all ages can immerse themselves in custom-made video games that bring digital and analogue together, use interactive screens and projectors, and enjoy some traditional playtime. Meanwhile, parents and guardians can either join in the fun or unwind with a delicious treat from the cafe. The convenience of restrooms with baby changing facilities and a designated area for parking pushchairs adds to the overall comfort and accessibility of the space.”
However, the Family Hub is elevated beyond its practical use by its decor, says Larsson. “What makes the Family Hub truly special is its thoughtful design,” he says. “Inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics, it seamlessly incorporates playful elements into the decor. This approach creates a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere, making the Family Hub a perfect example of outstanding onboard design.”
Carnival Corporation’s ships offer many examples of extraordinary spaces, which means that choosing just one example is like being asked “to pick a favourite child”, says Rowell. However, she says notable spaces offering outstanding design include Holland America Line’s Morimoto by Sea restaurant onboard Nieuw Amsterdam and Princess Cruises’ Spellbound by Magic Castle on Sun Princess. The Currents Zone on new Carnival Cruise Line ship, Carnival Jubilee, is also a particularly extraordinary space, she adds. The zone spans two decks and immerses guests by using technology throughout the interior.
“Guests embark on an exciting underwater ‘excursion’ created by several ‘portals’, made up of huge LED screens and a massive wave-shaped LED ceiling that depict aquatic scenes,” says Rowell. “The atmosphere is enhanced by theatrical lighting, music and sound effects. Interactive activations like ‘Change the Currents’ and ‘Create A Fish’ allow guests to transform the zone into different underwater environments and design unique sea creatures. The Currents Zone offers a magical atmosphere for guests enjoying a drink at Dr.Inks, Ph.D or dinner at Emeril’s Bistro 717.”
The Currents on Carnival Jubilee takes guests on an ‘excursion’ through its wave-shaped LED ceiling
On the other end of the spectrum is The Queens Room onboard Cunard’s newest vessel Queen Anne. Rather than technology, the space incorporates “consciously luxurious” elements throughout the space, in keeping with the brand’s identity.
“The Queens Room is the jewel in this beautiful ship’s crown,” says Rowell. “Visually stimulating with a golden landscape motif, celestial orbs and the vastness of the sky above, the Queens Room embodies luxury. The meticulous attention to detail is clear, with the room boasting refined textures and colour harmonies.”
Illuminating innovative spaces
Liz Schneider, owner of Liz Schneider Interiors, explains the role lighting can play in transforming interiors onboard a passenger ship
“An extraordinary space builds on individual decisions to attract and connect with a guest. What I am so excited about is how designers are celebrating light at sea. When you begin playing with light as an experience, a concept moves into a new realm. Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess have elevated the expectation of guest experience by mixing natural and LED lighting.”
Beyond the ordinary
CFI asked selected suppliers to explain how their products can transform a room into an outstanding space
Panaz
“The greatest power to transform a room lies in its narrative – a design concept that evokes emotion, place and meaning. In the new balcony suites on Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Discovery, which were designed by AMK Architecture and Design in Athens, Greece, the experience begins with extending the infinite blue of the sea indoors. A palette inspired by Greece and the Celestyal brand, paired with soothing materials, fosters harmony and calm in the suites. Cultural details and elements of Greek craftsmanship add depth and identity – like the bespoke bed runner custom-printed by Panaz. Every detail connects guests to the natural world and the region’s traditions, turning a suite into a story, and a space into a memory.”
Dafydd Watkins, Head of Global Cruise Sales
Ulster Carpets
“Every cruise ship has a distinctive story to tell and that is why our custom-designed solutions work perfectly. Flooring is, quite literally, the foundation of that storytelling process and carpet, in particular, gives you the creative freedom to express your style through colour and design.
Choose bright and bold colours with a design that creates a sense of drama, or opt for a more subtle and textured approach that harmoniously blends with the decor – the opportunities are endless. This creative freedom comes with the assurance of luxury and durability in every carpet to withstand the demands of cruise.”
Rachel Guy, Contract Sales Director for Marine
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